Former Gov. Jim Hunt Applauds Gov. Branstad’s Education ‘Vision’

The following is a statement from Gov. Jim Hunt on the release of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s blueprint for education transformation.

“There is an enormous demand for student success and solid economic outcomes across the nation, and Gov. Branstad gets it right in his ‘Unshakable Vision’ for Iowa. It is an aggressive plan that incorporates components I consider critical, and it sets the tone for sound, systemic change in his state.

“I applaud the supports and accountability measures Gov. Branstad is putting into place, for our teachers and principals must be strong and effective for all students. His steadfast commitment to the Common Core State Standards will help ensure Iowa’s students meet the demands of career and college and create shared expectations for student learning for teachers, parents, and the community. And, his plan to measure students along the way – beginning in kindergarten – will provide better indicators of achievement and the need for adjustment early on. Gov. Branstad’s commitment is strong, and I commend his keen vision.

“As a former governor who was, and remains, committed to education, I applaud Gov. Branstad’s call to action for Iowa’s schools. I have long said that governors must use their bully pulpit to fight for quality education for all students. In his ‘One Unshakable Vision,’ Gov. Branstad has set ambitious goals, and I am confident he will remain persistent and aggressive when driving systemic educational improvements in Iowa.”

For more information please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.